South Africa’s Latest Crime Statistics Show a Shift – And Signal the Need for Stronger Partnerships in Public Safety

02 Dec 2025

South Africa’s latest official crime statistics, released on 28 November 2025, offer a mixed picture of progress and persistent challenges. While the country recorded a slight decline in murders, the release of the data comes against the backdrop of an unprecedented policing scandal, one that has raised serious questions about criminal infiltration into state institutions.

The insights, originally reported by Daily Maverick in “Murders in SA drop (slightly) — Police release crime figures amid drug cartel infiltration scandal”, highlight the urgency for robust collaboration between government, private security providers, and communities. For organisations like Excellerate Services, these developments underscore the critical role of integrated, technology-driven safety solutions in protecting people, assets, and operations.

 Murder Rate Shows Improvement — but Serious Risks Remain

The SAPS crime statistics for July to September 2025 indicate:

·         5,794 murders,

·         A decline of 751 cases compared to the same period in 2024,

·         Reductions in carjacking and residential robberies,

·         An increase in sexual offences, which remains a serious concern.

Most murders continue to occur in public spaces, driven by arguments, robberies, and interpersonal conflict.

This period also overlaps with explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi regarding drug cartel infiltration into the criminal justice system,  allegations that have triggered the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and a parliamentary ad hoc committee.

 The Scandal Behind the Delay: Criminal Networks and State Capture 2.0

Acting Minister of Police Professor Firoz Cachalia emphasised that “criminal networks infiltrate political parties, government departments, and procurement systems to steal public funds,” adding that South Africa continues to grapple with a “new form of State Capture.”

The allegations, supported by testimony from individuals such as Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, have cast a spotlight on the depth of corruption and political interference in law enforcement. Cachalia also pointed to large-scale procurement looting, including the R2-billion Tembisa Hospital scandal, as examples of criminal syndicates embedded in state systems.

 Organised Crime: ‘Follow the Money’

In outlining government’s response, Cachalia reiterated the need for:

·         Specialised capabilities within SAPS,

·         Stronger cooperation with SARS, financial regulators, and the private sector,

·         Faster prosecutions and improved witness protection,

·         A renewed drive to professionalise policing.

These aspirations closely align with Excellerate Services’ long-held view that public safety is a shared responsibility.

 Excellerate Services Responds: A Call for Partnership and Professionalism

In response to the newly released statistics, Adriaan Otto, Managing Director of Excellerate Services, emphasised the importance of collaboration:

“While the latest crime figures offer some reassurance, they also highlight the complexity of South Africa’s security landscape. Declines in murder rates are meaningful, but they sit alongside deeply concerning trends in organised crime, corruption, and violence. This is not a moment for complacency. It is a moment for stronger partnership.

At Excellerate Services, we believe that public safety requires high-integrity institutions working hand in hand with capable private sector partners. Our role is to bring real-time visibility, disciplined operational control, and a culture of accountability to every site we manage. In an environment where criminal networks continue to evolve, our commitment is simple: protect our clients, support our communities, and elevate the standards of safety and compliance across the industry.” 

This perspective reflects the company’s broader commitment to ethical operations, continuous improvement, and real-time risk management, values that are increasingly vital amid South Africa’s volatile security environment.

 Gang Violence: Western Cape Remains the Epicentre

The statistics reveal the severity of gangsterism in South Africa:

·         315 gang-related murders were recorded between July and September 2025,

·         293 of these occurred in the Western Cape, underscoring the province’s status as the epicentre of gang violence.

A national integrated anti-gang strategy is now in place across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal, with the Police Ministry monitoring implementation.

 What This Means for Business, Community Safety, and Service Providers

While a reduction in murders is encouraging, the overall picture remains complex. The rise in sexual offences, entrenched corruption, and the scale of organised criminal networks all signal the need for:

1.      Highly capable, compliant, and accountable private security partners,

2.      Technology-enabled operational oversight such as Excellerate’s Velocity platform and Central Command Centre,

3.      Dynamic and adaptive risk mitigation,

4.      Collaborative intelligence sharing across the public and private sectors.

 Excellerate’s Position Going Forward

These national crime trends reaffirm the need for integrated safety and compliance solutions across South Africa’s business and community environments. Excellerate Services will continue to provide:

·         Real-time operational visibility,

·         Integrated incident management,

·         High-integrity enforcement of standards,

·         A culture of accountability, respect, and excellence.

As crime evolves, Excellerate remains committed to protecting clients, safeguarding communities, and elevating the standard of safety across the industry.